Hantsmoths

Common in woodland, parks and gardens throughout much of the British Isles, less numerous in the north. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight common to very common. Wingspan 13-18 mm. The dark coloration of the fore- and hindwings, and the strongly pectinate antennae, are characteristic of the male; in the female the forewing is attenuated and the markings contrast with the greyish white ground colour [Bradley]. The larva is polyphagous on many plants, including yew and rhododendron - species that otherwise have few predators. It sometimes does superficial damage to ripening fruits in orchards.